It’s no surprise wine lovers come to Tuscany from all over the world. To taste its celebrated vini. To explore ancient cellars. And gaze out at its perfectly combed vineyards. But hey also come to learn about wine production, wine-related traditions, and to experience the ‘good life’ – the Tuscan way.
Here we give you a taste of the Top 10 Experiences for wine lovers in Tuscany, and show you why this region is a paradise for anyone passionate about wine.
Top 10 Experiences for Wine Lovers in Tuscany
1. Visit the Wine Towns in the Chianti region
Famed for its red wines and idyllic views, one of the Chianti region‘s charms lies in the dedication that locals have for everything grape related. The knowledge, the passion, the centuries-old experience in wine production. Everything contributes to earn this region a badge of excellence when it comes to making wine.
Here a Chianti Wine Consortium presides over it all. There are strict rules deciding if a wine meets the standards required to obtain the prised Chianti Classico label. And plenty of healthy competition between the different wine estates as they aim to surpass the each others’ creations. Here wine lovers should try different bottles from Radda, Castellina or Greve in Chianti to experience everything this region can offer in a glass.
=> Top 10 Chianti Towns to visit for wine lovers
=> Scenic Drive around the Chianti region: a full itinerary.
2. Chianti Safari Tour – Best of Chianti Wine and Food
If you’re not planning on driving around, the best way to get a true taste of the Chianti region is by joining a Guided Tour. On this popular Full-Day Safari Chianti Tour you’ll be exploring the best of the region on board a 4×4 off-road vehicle. The tour includes a visit to a wine estate and historic villa, and a cellar where Chianti Classico is produced. You’ll taste the wines and enjoy 3-course meal in the scenic countryside.
3. Wine making in Grand style: Wine in a Castle
Ancient Castles are a beautiful feature of the Tuscan landscape, and many of these beautiful estates have a long tradition of wine making. Take Gabbiano Castle in Mercatale Val di Pesa, or the Frescobaldi family’s Nipozzano Castle (south of Florence), or even the striking Brolio Castle, where the Ricasoli family has been producing wine since Medieval times. The castle today has a neo-Gothic appearance, having been remodelled in the early 19th century. And it’s still a fabulous place to learn the history of the area and taste some truly historic wine.
=> Join this Guided Tour from Siena to explore the Brolio Castle and Ama Castle wine estate, visit the vineyards and enjoy a traditional lunch.
4. Head to Montalcino and Montepulciano
Tuscany has a few other prized wines aside from the Chianti Classico, and these are produced in the towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano, south of Siena. These locations deserve a special place in any wine lover’s guide. The Brunello di Montalcino, considered one of the Top Italian red Wines, is a 100% Sangiovese grape. It’s robust, harmonious and full bodied, and improves with age. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano requires 2 years ageing. It’s an elegant, medium bodied wine with an intense bouquet and aromas of cherries and violets.
=> Top Wine Tasting Experiences in Montepulciano!
=> Learn more about the most famous Tuscan Red Wines.
5. Learn about the art of Wine Making in an ancient cellar
One of the great pleasures of Tuscany is visiting a cantina, a cellar full of the scents and knowledge built up over centuries. Steeped in atmosphere, these cantinas have an almost sacred feel, places where every element from time to temperature quietly plays its part in creating the perfect balance.
Any wine enthusiast should take a guided tour of a cellar – like this ancient cellar in Montepulciano stacked with oak barrels where the precious nectar ages – and learn more about the alchemy of wine.
6. Wine Windows Tour in Florence
This is a truly original experience for wine lovers. Around Florence‘s historic centre you have the chance to see some small door-shaped openings in the walls of historical palaces, always set at hand level. These are the “buchette del vino“, or Wine Windows. From here the wealthy wine merchants, who were living in the palaces and had cellars on the ground floor, used to sell wine by the bottle or fiasco . Today around 150 have been registered and some are still in use by enoteche, helping visitors to live the city’s history through a glass of good Chianti.
You can partake in this unique Florentine experience by joining the original Florence Sunset Walking Tour with Food & Wine, where you’ll explore Florence’s rich culinary heritage and some historic wine windows.
7. Take part in a Wine Festival
Tuscany puts on a range of wine festivals throughout the year, September being the important month as it coincides with the grape harvest. This is a busy time around the Tuscan countryside, where carts are busy transporting freshly picked grapes and the new wine is fermenting in the cellars. The Chianti region is a favourite destination for its popular September wine festivals, while in Montespertoli the wine festival takes place at the beginning of June, and Montepulciano hosts ‘Calici di Stelle’, every August where local producers come to present their wines.
8. Grape stomping & Lunch
Would you like to take active part in the process of grape stomping? On this half-day grape stomping tour from Florence you’ll go ankle deep into the Tuscan traditions in a Chianti winery. And of course you’ll learn the history and modern practices of winemaking.
Didi you know? Traditionally grapes were pressed by foot and – despite some obvious hygenic downsides – some experts say that the pressing with the feet remains unsurpassed in terms of efficiency. In fact the lightness and softness of the crushing, makes it possible to keep the unripe grapes and the seeds (vinaccioli) intact. In this way the must stays softer, and less acidic.
9. Explore the world of the ‘Super Tuscans’ in Bolgheri
Near the Tuscan coast, some wine producers have decided to invent something new and even a bit anarchic, considering how strict the rules for wine making in Tuscany are. Here you find ‘experimental’ wines, that use unconventional grapes – in place of the traditional sangiovese -such as Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc.
As these wines didn’t conform to the traditional wine-making norms, the traditional classifications didn’t apply either. So the term ‘Super Tuscans’ was invented. From the start these were wines of superior quality, which quickly earned global recognition. The area of production is limited to the hills surrounding the small town of Bolgheri that has become a real mecca for wine lovers. Be ready to be amazed, and pay substantial prices.
Looking for more ideas for your trip, a part from wine? => Top Things to do in Tuscany
10. Wine School in Siena
In Siena you can go back to school and learn some of Tuscany’s wine secrets. This is much more that simple wine tasting. At the Siena Wine School you’ll be introduced to the art of wine production methods, and discover the history and legends behind Tuscany’s most significant wines.
Master the skills of swirl and sip, compare aromas, textures and vintages, and understand the different soils and grape variety of Tuscany. Food pairing is also part of the program, so you’ll learn which wines to order with which dishes when ordering in a restaurant.
=> 12 Picturesque Hilltop Towns in Tuscany
=> My Secret Florence: hidden gems in the city of the Renaissance!
=> Our favourite 12 Unesco Sites in Italy
